The Bystander by Saara Turunen has stirred conversation in Finland about writing as a profession and the role of literary criticism. Readers and reviewers have enjoyed the book: here’s a little roundup of recent reviews:

“The Bystander works as a vindication of one’s own voice.” – Keskisuomalainen newspaper, Finland

“In addition to the fact that the work starts a discussion of the problems of the art world and criticism, it also impressively deliberates the demeaning essence of loneliness and being an outsider. – – Rewarding!” – Länsi-Savo newspaper, Finland

”The Bystander is an important contemporary depiction of the structures of patriarchy, of how difficult it still is for a young woman to choose otherwise, to take control of one’s own life. […] The narration of The Bystander glows in the depiction of everyday details.” – Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, Finland

”The Bystander deserves praise. It’s a frank, funny and unconventionally laconically told story about a year in a life of its protagonist, a debut author.” – Me Naiset magazine, Finland

“The Bystander is a chillingly ironic, crunching depiction of art and publicity in the 21st century.” – Aamulehti newspaper, Finland

Saara Turunenis an author, playwright, and director. Her plays have garnered brilliant reviews and been translated into 12 languages and performed in several countries. She is known for her bold and direct style and much of her work examines the themes of art, gender identity, and femininity. Her debut novel Love/Monster (Rakkaudenhirviö, Tammi 2015) won the Helsingin Sanomat Literature Prize, a high profile award given annually to an outstanding debut novel in Finland.